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Senate Republicans upset over possible special session agenda

DFL Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson is expected to announce Tuesday whether the Senate will agree to a special session, under terms worked out with Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum and Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The three sides have discussed an agenda that would include fixing a budget shortfall, and passing a bonding bill that borrows money for state construction projects. The agenda would be brought up in a specific order to prevent a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Senate Republicans are upset about not being included in the agenda setting process, and even though they are in the minority, they do have leverage. Some of their votes are needed to pass the bonding bill, which requires a three-fifths majority in each chamber. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican Senate Minority Leader Dick Day.